Heritage Railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction of the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, in the northern Flinders Ranges) Railway commenced.  The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles /1241 km) in 1929 establishing an important rail link to Central Australia.  The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1957, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by.  All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1974, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year.  Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245).

Lonely Planet named South Australia in the Top 10 regions to visit globally in 2017.

Passing of Tim Fischer AC, Patron of Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society

Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. (PRRPS) gratefully acknowledges the immense contribution of its Patron, Tim Fischer AC, to the Pichi Richi Railway, railway history and heritage, the rail transport industry and the Australian community.

Tim Fischer was a strong advocate for the Pichi Richi Railway, and a great champion of rail and of rural Australia.

PRRPS was extremely fortunate to have Mr Fischer serve as its Patron since 2002, during which time he energetically promoted the Pichi Richi Railway at his every opportunity. He put his role of Patron on hold in 2009 after being appointed Ambassador to the Holy See. After his return, Mr Fischer was reappointed Patron in 2014.

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SA Weekender TV show features Pichi Richi Railway

Coming Soon: Ron Kandelaars and the Channel 7 SA Weekender team visit Quorn on Sunday 21 July at 5:30 PM in South Australia

Back Roads features Pichi Richi Railway and Flinders Ranges

Coming Soon: Back Roads - ABC TV's showcase of country Australia comes to the Flinders Ranges.

Lisa Millar and the crew visited Quorn last month and this episode goes to air on Monday 29 July or watch it later on ABC iview.